Assessing the degradation of saline wetlands in an arid agricultural region in Spain

A constellation of saline wetlands in the Spanish Monegros Desert is currently subjected to increasing agricultural pressure. Until now, no systematic study of their degradation status has been performed, and no comprehensive map of these wetlands has been available. Both subjects are addressed for the first time in this study. In addition, we set up a conceptual tool for assessing saline wetlands degradation that improves upon available methods within geomorphological, sedimentological or hydrological frameworks. A wetlands inventory was produced and updated using satellite data, field observations, and orthophotographs, together with the available disperse data about these wetlands' toponymy and location. The degraded landscape appearance of the surviving wetlands, mainly affected by agricultural intensification ― dumping and farming ― has been qualitatively assessed.